11/30/2025
How Can Managing Overactive Bladder Reduce Fall Risk in Older Adults?
Overactive bladder (OAB) is more than an inconvenience—it’s a hidden fall risk. Common symptoms include urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence. While these may seem like isolated issues, they often cause older adults to rush unsafely to the bathroom, leading to slips, trips, and falls. The connection between OAB and physical safety is gaining recognition in both research and rehabilitation fields.
**How Does Overactive Bladder Increase Fall Risk?**
The most direct link between OAB and falls is the act of rushing:
- Older adults may feel a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate.
- They may move quickly without assistive devices, proper lighting, or safe pathways.
- Nighttime urination increases the chance of falling in low visibility conditions.
In addition, the psychological burden of OAB shouldn’t be underestimated:
- Fear of leakage can discourage leaving the home, leading to reduced social engagement and activity.
- Physical inactivity causes deconditioning, muscle weakness, frailty, and poor balance—each a known fall risk factor.
**What Does the Research Show?**
Recent studies highlight the scope of the issue:
- One study involving over 1,300 adults found that OAB symptoms correlated with increased fall risk, more than traditional mobility tests like the Timed Up and Go (TUG).
- Another showed that up to 67% of falls could have been prevented if OAB symptoms had been effectively treated.
- Importantly, addressing OAB also helped reduce patients' fear of falling and improved their confidence.
**What Treatments Are Effective?**
Pelvic health physical therapy is one of the most promising first-line treatments:
- Focuses on strengthening pelvic floor and core muscles.
- Includes behavioral techniques like bladder retraining and urge suppression.
- Engages patients in functional activities that integrate pelvic muscle control into real-world movements.
Therapists tailor exercises to the individual's needs, helping restore control, improve confidence, and reduce urgency episodes.
**Conclusion**
Overactive bladder doesn't just affect dignity—it affects safety. By identifying and managing OAB symptoms, healthcare providers can help reduce falls, increase activity levels, and restore quality of life for older adults. Addressing OAB is a proactive step toward fall prevention and long-term wellness.
Word Count: 412